LITTLE ROCK (AP) — A recount sought by a Democrat in a northeast Arkansas state representative race will stretch until Thursday.

Democrat L.J. Bryant lost by 44 votes to Republican John K. Hutchison in a district that spans four counties. Clerks said Friday that the last county to recount the votes will be Independence County next Thursday.

Craighead County began its recount on Friday and it was expected to take until as late as 9 p.m. to complete.

Jackson and Poinsett counties are to conduct their recounts Tuesday morning.

The GOP holds a 51-48-1 edge in the state House, with the Green Party holding one seat. If Bryant winds up being the winner, Republicans would lose their simple majority in the 100-seat chamber.